Yeah, I can't imagine the closest major hospital to Microsoft being withough at least 2 or 3 ways to access the internet :-) 

yay! so glad to see we have some new members coming soon~ Can't wait to see you all at the next meeting! :)

Hi Tiff,
We have a support group that has others that have had the band and other types of surgeries. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the lower level of the Holy Family Hospital, Norther side of Spokane (Lidgerwood and Rowan). The next one is 2/9,you are more then welcome to come.

Renee'

Joanne,
            So glad to hear from you, and that all has gone well!!! I know this has been a long time coming, and glad you were happy with your team! Overlake rocks!

Hugs,
Kathy

 This hasn't been updated in awhile (this thread), but recently I've had experience with both Medicaid and Medicare.

My Dr. here in Port Orchard(across the water from Seattle), has really been fighting to get me the lap band through DSHS. I qualified in everyway, was doing what they wanted me to do, we faxed in everything, everytime they asked. DSHS kept saying they weren't getting my doctors seven digit number (AFTER MY DOCTOR FAX AND REFAXED SO MANY TIMES!), grrrr. Anyway at 35, I got medicare . After my monthly WLS appt with my reg doctor, I came home and called the UW Bariatric clinic. She said this is as easy as can be with Medicare compared to Medicaid, because there is no prior approval needed from Medicaid or hoops to jump through and all the waiting compared to  Medicare.

They told me I had to come to the next up coming Seminar, which was February 17, 2010, and they sent me a package. They had an old address for me they sent the package to, but I called and they sent the package to the right address and the also emailed the information. Over the phone they also informed me that it could take 2-3 months or up to 6 months depending on what surgery I want (lap band) and how many tests the surgeon wants me to do. But I will see the surgeon about a week after the seminar they said, then I'll see the Psychiatrist, the nutritionist, do any test, then set the surgery date, YAY! 

So here's praying it all goes smooth, I'm EXCITED!!

So bottom line, UW takes both Medicare and Medicaid, however dealing with Medicaid and getting approved is a pain in the fanny and that's why it takes so much longer, then Medicare!